How do you spread the Gospel?

[CountrySteve]

i know it sounds like a simple question, but how do you preach and spread the Gospel? Cause everytime i try to preach i always come off as too strong, or sometimes even pushy. Also i don’t wanna sound like one of them ‘fire and brimstone’ preachers and i don’t wanna sound like a Jehovah Witness, so how does one preach the Gospel Catholic style? I just feel called to preach Christ to all people.

 

[englishredrose]

At least you actually try and I mean that:blush:

I tend to say very little about the Gospel and that is largely shyness but also I hope that my actions actually carry the message but they fail I know and I don’t mean that in any descontructive way. I forget that part of being a Christian 99% I tend to focus more on just being with God.

So I heartily say, well done for trying and yes you will find it is a life journey trying to balance it and just when you think you got it right, someone will tell you, that didn’t work for them. So I would say, don’t try too hard. Know what the Gospel is saying so if you see a natural opportunity and it appropriate be confident in yourself to say it anyway and if the person you are saying to is offended then for ease sake, simply apologise, not for what you are saying but how you may be saying it but gently move onto other discussions and there are more than one way to spread the Gospel. Being a living Gospel in that your general every day actions will come over louder than your speach especially if you do happen to say one thing then do another, people will notice that very quickly. We will all do it at times because it a human error but it how you make amends. My friends know I go to Church but I do not know the Bible very well and dont push that part at all. I am who I am making lots of mistakes and whether anyone picks up the Gospel part of me, I don’t know because I am not trying to find out. In honesty I do not try to spread the Gospel at all but hope my actions are at least believable.

 

[mountee]

I am a firm believer in the following, taught to me by a very religious non-Catholic friend. We are never to drive someone away from God by our words or actions but rather bring them to God by showing in our life how much God has brought to us. Many times over fervent people drive others away by constantly preaching their beliefs and making people uncomfortable. I actually have a cousin and her family who were asked to leave their Catholic parish because they became so charismatic that their actions in Church were offensive to the parishioners in attendance. If you make people dread the sight of you because of non-stop preaching you will drive people away from God. Instead, let them see how your faith sustains you in all things by your demeanor, your actions towards others and your basic day to day behavior, your Christ-like personality. Of course engage in conversations about your faith and our beliefs, but don’t ram down people’s throats.

 

[Seeker1961]

I am a firm believer in the following, taught to me by a very religious non-Catholic friend. We are never to drive someone away from God by our words or actions but rather bring them to God by showing in our life how much God has brought to us. Many times over fervent people drive others away by constantly preaching their beliefs and making people uncomfortable. I actually have a cousin and her family who were asked to leave their Catholic parish because they became so charismatic that their actions in Church were offensive to the parishioners in attendance. If you make people dread the sight of you because of non-stop preaching you will drive people away from God. Instead, let them see how your faith sustains you in all things by your demeanor, your actions towards others and your basic day to day behavior, your Christ-like personality. Of course engage in conversations about your faith and our beliefs, but don’t ram down people’s throats.

This.

 

[IesuMariaIoseph]

Well one thing which I take into account is the situation. If the person is someone I’ve found myself sharing a meal with I’ll cross myself before eating. I don’t make a big deal of I just do it and begin eating. If the conversation we have allows me to talk about my faith I’m not afraid to bring it up. If they ask questions about my faith I answer them as best as I can. If I don’t know something I tell them so and I tell them why I don’t know. If they seem to get aggressive stay clam. Usually the question they are asking at this point is hyper-specific something like “where is heaven” or “why is God Trinitarian”. If this happens tell explain what is really important about your faith this is not to say that heaven and the trinity are not important. Tell them “that we really don’t know what heaven will be like but we know some things and they are important to my church and myself because…” make the message personal in some way by telling them not only what the faith says but show them how you live it in your life.

If the question seems to be a bit insulting again remain clam and in the friendliest of tones say “I understand your position but my faith is important to me and the way you happen to be phrasing your question is making me feel like your making fun of me”. Or ignore it completely and answer the question with a smile on your face. Imitate Christ by being patient with people. Remember God is watching over us all. That means the person your speaking with is always in God’s company so if Jesus can put up with the person your talking to 24/7 you can last the conversation .

Be the best example of your faith in word and action. I have also found that patience brings people around as does knowledge. Although we can’t know everything off the top of our heads we need to be well educated to present our faith to people well. So before going of to evangelize the person wishing to do so would do well to study up.

Another thing to keep in mind is that wonderful as talking about God is all conversations need end to be picked up again later. We need to share the floor with whoever we speak with otherwise they will feel like they have no say in whats happening and that the conversation is all about you.

At the end of the meal if that is the setting I cross myself again and then try to be the best example of my faith that I can be. It is really hard to be your best at all times. Just recall that we are all sinners walking the path to God. It is the individual who walks. Be a sign on the way to them. But we as humans will always reject what we feel dragged to.

It is the whole man who prays so it must also be the whole man that evangelizes!

May the love of the Lord be your strength and his Mother’s mantle thy protection

 

[domNoah]

i know it sounds like a simple question, but how do you preach and spread the Gospel? Cause everytime i try to preach i always come off as too strong, or sometimes even pushy. Also i don’t wanna sound like one of them ‘fire and brimstone’ preachers and i don’t wanna sound like a Jehovah Witness, so how does one preach the Gospel Catholic style? I just feel called to preach Christ to all people.

Well I think you might find listening to this homily on Catholic Evangelization helpful

In addition here are a few thoughts

1. Invitation : Catholic life is more than just doctrine, it involves worship, fasting and good works. A great way to evangelize is to invite people to attend liturgical worship or to join you for your private prayers (such as saying the rosary or attending adoration). You could also invite them to participate in some good work you are doing.
2. Regret: Communicating your hurt when someone either sins or has left the Church can be a more effective way of at least starting a real productive conversation.

 

[aragonjohn1]

i know it sounds like a simple question, but how do you preach and spread the Gospel? Cause everytime i try to preach i always come off as too strong, or sometimes even pushy. Also i don’t wanna sound like one of them ‘fire and brimstone’ preachers and i don’t wanna sound like a Jehovah Witness, so how does one preach the Gospel Catholic style? I just feel called to preach Christ to all people.

Try to Live the Gospel in you’re own way and try to remember everybody is unique and different while blessed by God.

Merry Christmas
God bless Ya

 

[PJM]

=CountrySteve;10209454]i know it sounds like a simple question, but how do you preach and spread the Gospel? Cause everytime i try to preach i always come off as too strong, or sometimes even pushy. Also i don’t wanna sound like one of them ‘fire and brimstone’ preachers and i don’t wanna sound like a Jehovah Witness, so how does one preach the Gospel Catholic style? I just feel called to preach Christ to all people.

Hi Steve,

It’s different for each of us

Read 1st. Cor. chapter12 [its a short one]

God the HS gives each of us different gifts and abilities. DISCOVER yours by asking your parents and close friends what THEY MIGHT BE? MAybe even dicuss it with your pastor?

If we use the GIFTS GOD gave us, we’ll being doing GOD"S work the way He wants US to do it.

I speand a fair amount of time here on this FORUM, I also have a Teaching e-mail Ministry and my Blog. BUT THAT’s ME, thats what God has called ME to do. Start with very serious prayer and time infrom of th tabernacle and ask for GUIDENCE:thumbsup:

I’ll pray for you too.

God Bless,
pat/PJM

 

[John_Martin]

i know it sounds like a simple question, but how do you preach and spread the Gospel? Cause everytime i try to preach i always come off as too strong, or sometimes even pushy. Also i don’t wanna sound like one of them ‘fire and brimstone’ preachers and i don’t wanna sound like a Jehovah Witness, so how does one preach the Gospel Catholic style? I just feel called to preach Christ to all people.

It sounds like your are excited about becoming Catholic (it looks like you are in RCIA??).
What are you glad about?
I have been a Catholic now for just over two years, with my excitement being that the Church is the Kingdom of God on earth, a REAL people, like a nationality. And I was (and I am) excited about being a citizen of this Kingdom with its King.
I became interested in reading Thomas Aquinas, to the point where it has become my “bedtime reading”. The excitement and interest in various points of being Catholic became the points for entering conversations.

For example:
One day on a break at work one of the guys asked me what I do on weekends? I told him about working in the backyard a bit, then said I also study in my free time. He then asked what I study, things about work (engineering and software programming)? I answered yes to that, and also said I study theology too. He had a slight questioning look on his face, so I told him I was reading Aquinas’ Summa, and told how he was a Catholic theologian. He recognized the name. Then I told him how I had recently become Catholic and found Aquinas to be fascinating and delightful.
It turns out that this guy was Catholic, and we talked for a fair amount of time, with me expressing how I came to be Catholic, and how great it was to be a Citizen of this Kingdom.

Summed up; be glad about being Catholic; know what about this “new being” is joyful and delightful to you; and just talk about that when it fits the conversation.

I think it was Philip who said to Nathaneal (joyfully) “We have found the Messiah!” the conversation continued “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?”. The answer, joyfully, “Come and see”. He did not explain all doctrine, but he called Nathanael to come and meet the source of his joy.

John Martin

 

[QuickCat]

i know it sounds like a simple question, but how do you preach and spread the Gospel? Cause everytime i try to preach i always come off as too strong, or sometimes even pushy. Also i don’t wanna sound like one of them ‘fire and brimstone’ preachers and i don’t wanna sound like a Jehovah Witness, so how does one preach the Gospel Catholic style? I just feel called to preach Christ to all people.

Country: It is wonderful that you feel called to preach the Lord Jesus Christ to all people. My answer on how to preach the gospel is:

1] Be saved yourself, and know it.
2] Study the Word of God and learn to “rightly divide” between Israel and the Body of Christ.
3] Know the gospel of the grace of God that Paul preached - e.g., 1 Cor. 15:1-4; Acts 16:31.
4] Pray that God the Holy Spirit will open doors [opportunities] for you to present the clear gospel of the grace of God. And pray that He will give you the wisdom on when and how to present this gospel.
5] Present the gospel clearly and get out of the way so that the Holy Spirit can make the gospel clear to the lost person. Remember that the lost person is spirituallyy dead and needs the Holy Spirit to open his eyes and heart to the gospel.
6] Always remember that it is a wonderful privilige to be an ambassador for the Lord Jesus Christ in Satan’s world.
The Lord bless your endeavors as you labor for Him.
QC

 

[MorEphrem]

I’ve realized if you lead a life of example, people will inquire and that will give you the perfect opportunity. The key is to be patient and attentive, as well as open to hearing what the other person has to say.

 

[Lady_Love]

I make sure that anyone who I come in contact with has an experience of love. I listen, I find out what the other person needs. Do they want to show how smart they are? If so, I validate their need to be smart. Does the person think they are ugly? If so, I point out qualities that I see in them that I appreciate. Is the person lonely in their agony? I let them know that I understand and maybe share my own experience of loneliness and grief. Are they angry and need to vent? I let them vent. Do they need help with a project? I offer them a helping hand or a contact to someone who can help. Do they desperately need to be right? I find something right in what they are saying or doing?

I try, at some point, when the moment is right, to turn their attention toward Jesus. Sometimes, there is not a right moment because they are not open or receptive so I wait. I wait until a time when they ARE open and receptive. I may have to wait years but that is o.k. There is no point in pouring water into a covered jar for it will go everywhere but in the jar.

 

[PJM]

=QuickCat;10253617]Country: It is wonderful that you feel called to preach the Lord Jesus Christ to all people. My answer on how to preach the gospel is:

1] Be saved yourself, and know it.
2] Study the Word of God and learn to “rightly divide” between Israel and the Body of Christ.
3] Know the gospel of the grace of God that Paul preached - e.g., 1 Cor. 15:1-4; Acts 16:31.
4] Pray that God the Holy Spirit will open doors [opportunities] for you to present the clear gospel of the grace of God. And pray that He will give you the wisdom on when and how to present this gospel.
5] Present the gospel clearly and get out of the way so that the Holy Spirit can make the gospel clear to the lost person. Remember that the lost person is spirituallyy dead and needs the Holy Spirit to open his eyes and heart to the gospel.
6] Always remember that it is a wonderful privilige to be an ambassador for the Lord Jesus Christ in Satan’s world.
The Lord bless your endeavors as you labor for Him.
QC

QC,

For “no religion” you got much of it right.

But how does one "know [or no] if if one is saved:shrug:

God Bless,
pat

 

[Mike_Pasamano]

I’m probably gonna get a lotta flack for being realistic but I’m gonna be nothing but anyway. 90% of the people you’ll encounter want nothing to do with the gospel. When the subject comes up you’ll know very quickly which side one stands on. If he/she stands with the devil, contrary to what a priest will tell you, don’t go for it. Save your pearls. Priests, because of how much time their duties take, are shielded from the real world causing them to forget what it’s like in the real world. You’re responsible for your own actions and no one else’s.

 

[QuickCat]

QC,

For “no religion” you got much of it right.

But how does one "know [or no] if if one is saved:shrug:

God Bless,
pat

As I have remarked before [on several threads] “religion” is Satan’s master plan to try to counter the grace plan of God. Check out the “religions” of the world. They all preseent a system of works for entrance into heaven. Biblical Christianity is not a religion, it is a relationahip. “Religion” is DO while Biblical Christianity is DONE. The Lord Jesus Christ did it all. Believe on Him [believe that He died on the cross to pay your sin debt, believe that He was buried and resurrected for your justification] and you will know intuitively that you are saved. 1 John 5:13. 1 Cor. 15:1-4; Acts 16:31; Romans 4:25. You will, for the first time, have a keen desire to study the Word of God. You will have such a joy in your heart that you will want to share the gospel of the grace of God with a lost and dying world. You will want others to know the joy of salvation in the Lord Jesus Christ. You will realize the truth of Ephesians 1:13.
Grace and Peace,

\QC

 

[PJM]

=QuickCat;10262627]As I have remarked before [on several threads] “religion” is Satan’s master plan to try to counter the grace plan of God. Check out the “religions” of the world. They all preseent a system of works for entrance into heaven. Biblical Christianity is not a religion, it is a relationahip. “Religion” is DO while Biblical Christianity is DONE. The Lord Jesus Christ did it all. Believe on Him [believe that He died on the cross to pay your sin debt, believe that He was buried and resurrected for your justification] and you will know intuitively that you are saved. 1 John 5:13. 1 Cor. 15:1-4; Acts 16:31; Romans 4:25. You will, for the first time, have a keen desire to study the Word of God. You will have such a joy in your heart that you will want to share the gospel of the grace of God with a lost and dying world. You will want others to know the joy of salvation in the Lord Jesus Christ. You will realize the truth of Ephesians 1:13.
Grace and Peace,

\QC

So then my friend;

Please explain to me; to us, how your position does not deny the Bible [Denial of part is denial of ALL of it]; and therby deny God Himself:shrug:

God Bless,
pat/PJM

 

[QuickCat]

So then my friend;

Please explain to me; to us, how your position does not deny the Bible [Denial of part is denial of ALL of it]; and therby deny God Himself:shrug:

God Bless,
pat/PJM

My position is entirely Biblical. It does not deny the Word of God, but, on the contrary [as Paul would say] elevates the Word of God. If you will take a look at my threads you will find that I cite the Bible perhaps more than anyone on this forum.
QC

 

[PJM]

=QuickCat;10265495]My position is entirely Biblical. It does not deny the Word of God, but, on the contrary [as Paul would say] elevates the Word of God. If you will take a look at my threads you will find that I cite the Bible perhaps more than anyone on this forum.
QC

NO doubt my freind;

But the issue really is do you actually understand what your quoting? And are you using the ENTIRE bible? IMO; you do not and that too is biblically provable

 

[kentuckyliz]

I don’t like the cheesy approach to evangelization…Bible bombing people and asking them if they are saved. It just feels inauthentic, like they’re looking to carve a notch on their steering wheel. So I don’t engage in that, either.

I just live an unselfconscious life of faith, be a friend and a listener, and opportunities to discuss faith will come up organically.

 

[englishredrose]

My position is entirely Biblical. It does not deny the Word of God, but, on the contrary [as Paul would say] elevates the Word of God. If you will take a look at my threads you will find that I cite the Bible perhaps more than anyone on this forum.
QC

but are you citing the bible just to back up your own comments or are you properly applying the bible . We can all find a paragraph or two from the Bible that supports what we say. I hate such use of the Bible and therefore don’t do it myself…

And it is the historical part of the Gospel. We also learn from the sermons that we hear, how to put the Gospel into context of today in our own specific lives though some do better than others at this and therefore spread the Gospel more effectively. It don’t always have to be about quoting word for word - especially to back up a statement.